Further study details as provided by VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System:

Primary Outcome Measures:

1.To Investigate the Effects of Escitalopram on Cardiac Vagal Function as Measured by R-R Interval Variability, Especially in the HF (0.15-0.5 Hz) Band in OEF/OIF Veterans With PTSD. [ Time Frame: 12 Weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

To Investigate the Effects of Escitalopram on an Absolute or Relative Decrease in Cardiac Sympathetic Function and Serious Cardiac Side Effects as Measured by QT Interval Variability in OEF/OIF Veterans With PTSD. [ Time Frame: 12 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]

The investigators are studying if taking escitalopram will normalize heart rate variability and a decrease (or no effect implying a lack of serious cardiac side effects) including QT variability in veterans with PTSD.

Patients, who are able to comprehend and satisfactorily comply with protocol requirements and have an ability to read and write English.

Patients, who signed the written informed consent given prior to entering any study procedure.

Inclusion Criteria - Group II

Patients, men and women between 19 and 55 years of age, inclusive.

-Patients with diagnosis of Major Depression as determined by Mini- International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). A diagnosis of PTSD will be exclusionary.

Patients, who are able to comprehend and satisfactorily comply with protocol requirements and have an ability to read and write English.

Patients, who signed the written informed consent given prior to entering any study procedure.

Exclusion Criteria:

History of cardiovascular disease or a history of hypertension.

Patients with a concurrent DSM-IV diagnosis in any of the following categories as determined by the M.I.N.I.

Lifetime Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

Lifetime Bipolar I Disorder

Substance Dependence or Abuse (excluding nicotine) within one month prior to the Screening Visit.

Patients with a history of intolerance or hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram.

Patients who based on history or mental status examination have a significant risk of committing suicide. Current suicide risk (past month) will be assessed using the MINI Suicidality Module. Subjects considered at high suicide risk based on the module (> 17 points) will be excluded from study participation.

Patients who are homicidal or violent and who are in the Investigator's opinion in significant imminent risk of hurting others.

Subjects will be excluded who have a history of significant medical illness and who are on medications that affect cardiac and/or autonomic function.

Female patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if of childbearing potential, not using an acceptable method of birth control.

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01271244